If you think that all students do these days is play video games, skateboard, etc. as their creative outlet, then come to the Arts Depot in Abingdon and view the more than seventy pieces of art work that have been created by students from Patrick Henry High School in Glade Spring, Virginia. This art exhibit is in conjunction with the nationwide celebration of Youth Art Month and will be on display through April 3rd. You will find a myriad of artistic creations by the students in just about every art media you can imagine: watercolors, acrylics, photography, three-dimensional cardboard sculptures, papier mache, and collages.

All of this work is inspired by Cathy Hicks, the art teacher at Patrick Henry High School for twenty-one years. She received her degree in Art Education at Emory and Henry College and her own background as an artist who enjoys painting and sculptures can be seen through the creativity shown in her student's work.

They enter contests, help other clubs with artwork for their activities and contribute in any way they can for the betterment of the school.

The art department works with the other departments to help the student with their writing, use of measuring and mathematics and to even make map reading more interesting. The Standards of Learning (SOL's) of Art correlate with the SOL's of the core classes. "The goal of the Art program is to instill in each student the love of art, the appreciation of art and to find a way in their life to make art useful", We have students who have become art teachers, art therapists, graphic designers, artists, and best but not least, parents who when their own child needs help with the artwork for his science project, can actually help him, because they learned how to cut paper, paint and do a papier mache volcano. The true goal is to make each student feel successful and to find area that will give him pleasure and a feeling of accomplishment" Hicks says.

The Arts Depot is a non-profit volunteer organization that is dedicated to promoting the arts in the community and features the region’s artists. The Arts Depot is located in the historic Depot Square area of downtown Abingdon, VA. The gallery and seven working artists studios are open for your viewing pleasure Thursday thru Saturday, 11-3 pm, and by appointment. There is no admission charge. For further information, please contact the Arts Depot at (276) 628-9091, or e-mail at artsdepot@naxs.net.